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Jamestown council appoints Brian Bigelow to fill Ward 2 vacancy after public request to tie appointment to election certification
Summary
The Jamestown City Council voted 6-1 to appoint Brian Bigelow to the Ward 2 seat left vacant by the recent death of a councilmember; a local resident asked the council to amend the appointment so it would end upon certification of a Nov. 3 special election winner by the Chautauqua County Board of Elections.
The Jamestown City Council voted to appoint Brian Bigelow to fill the unexpired Ward 2 term through Dec. 31, 2027, after a nomination from the mayor and a roll-call vote that recorded six ayes and one nay.
Resident Jason Sample of 136 Wilson Place, a candidate in the upcoming Ward 2 special election, urged the council during public comment to add language tying the appointment to the county certification of the special election. "My request in the amendment is to add language to include the results of the special election," Sample said, noting state election law requires county certification within 25 days of the election.
The mayor formally nominated Bigelow, providing an address of 186 Buffalo Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, and read the appointment language designating the term to expire 12/31/2027. "I do hereby nominate Brian Bigelow ... to be appointed for councilman in and for the city of Jamestown, New York to fill the unexpired term," the mayor read.
The clerk called the roll. Counselor Michelin, Scott Turner, Drosinski, Volkner, Vandenkia and Naquest were recorded as voting "Aye." Gonzales was recorded as "Nay." The motion carried by majority vote.
Jason Sample had argued the council should allow an earlier swearing-in for any certified winner of the Nov. 3 special election, citing what he described as state election law that requires results to be certified within 25 days. The council did not adopt the amendment language during the special meeting as recorded in the transcript.
The appointment restores representation for Ward 2 ahead of the city's upcoming budget season, and the newly appointed councilmember received immediate committee assignments announced by the presiding officer.
